Non-profit Magnet Schools of America has ranked a Connecticut college preparatory school as the top magnet high school in the United States.
Hartford Pathways Academy of Technology and Design, founded in 2003, received the award at the organization's 32nd annual ceremony earlier this month, according to a news release. Consulting firm American Education Solutions, Inc. sponsored the award.
The school incorporates technology and "project-based learning" into its education methods.
“This prestigious honor recognizes the dedicated staff, students, parents and community partners, whose hard work and creativity make Pathways and excellent school,” Pathways Principal David Goldblum said in a statement.
Before being named the top magnet high school in the nation, Magnet Schools of America recognized it as one of 77 Magnet Schools of Excellence for "its high commitment to academic standards, curriculum innovation, diversity, specialized teaching and parent and community involvement," according to a press release from Hartford Public Schools. Judges visited the campus to evaluate it for award consideration.
"Its students acquire technological and critical thinking skills, as well as a sense of personal and social responsibility that enables them to successfully compete in the rapidly changing world," Hartford public school officials said in a news release.
About 93 percent of Pathways students graduated in 2013, according to the Connecticut Department of Education records.
“Pathways’ selection is a much deserved recognition of the work of the school’s staff, parents and students under the leadership of Principal David Goldblum,” Dr. Jacqueline Jacoby, special assistant to the Hartford Board of Education, said. “It should give all of us confidence that Hartford is capable of creating the best schools in the nation for its children.”
Pathways recently moved to the Goodwin college campus in East Hartford.
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Another area school, University High School of Science and Engineering in High School, also recently earned accolades from Magnet Schools of America when the non-profit named the principal, Matt Folan, as Principal of the Year for the northeastern region.
